Container system

Abstract

A storage container system for storing items includes a tote, an insulated shell with a lid. The insulated shell is configured for receiving the tote. The insulated shell includes a base and a plurality of side walls and is foldable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration such that the tote fits inside the insulated shell when the insulated shell is in the expanded configuration. The lid is configured for closing the tote inside the insulated shell when the insulated shell is in the expanded configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A storage container system for storing one or more items, the storage container system comprising:
 a tote having an internal cavity configured for storing the one or more items, wherein the internal cavity is at least partially bounded by a bottom and a plurality of walls; 
 an insulated shell configured for receiving the tote, wherein the insulated shell includes a base and a plurality of side walls, wherein the insulated shell is foldable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein each of the plurality of the side walls of the insulated shell is pivotably attached to the base with a respective hinge structure comprising a structural foam, wherein the tote fits inside the insulated shell when the insulated shell is in the expanded configuration; and 
 a removable insulated lid configured for engaging the insulated shell and for closing the tote inside the insulated shell when the insulated shell is in the expanded configuration. 
 
     
     
       2. The storage container system of  claim 1  wherein the removable insulated lid also fits on top of the insulated shell when the insulated shell is in the collapsed configuration. 
     
     
       3. The storage container system of  claim 1  wherein a top side of the removable insulated lid is configured to receive a base of another instance of the insulated shell such that the insulated shells are stackable in both the expanded and collapsed configurations. 
     
     
       4. The storage container system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of the side walls of the tote are tapered thereby enabling the tote to at least partially nest within another instance of the tote. 
     
     
       5. The storage container system of  claim 1  further comprising a divider having first and second projections. 
     
     
       6. The storage container system of  claim 5  wherein a first wall of the plurality of walls of the tote includes a first groove facing inward toward the internal cavity, wherein the first groove is configured to receive the first projection of the divider, wherein a second wall of the plurality of walls includes a second groove facing inward toward the internal cavity, wherein the second groove is configured to receive the second projection of the divider for dividing the internal cavity of the tote into two sections with the divider. 
     
     
       7. The storage container system of  claim 5  wherein the divider is insulated. 
     
     
       8. The storage container system of  claim 5  wherein the divider includes an integrated ice pack. 
     
     
       9. The storage container system of  claim 5  further comprising a second divider having first and second projections. 
     
     
       10. The storage container system of  claim 1  further comprising an ice pack configured to be positioned on the bottom of the internal cavity of the tote. 
     
     
       11. The storage container system of  claim 1  wherein the structural foam is expanded polypropylene. 
     
     
       12. A storage container for storing one or more items, the storage container comprising:
 a tote having an internal cavity adapted for selectively storing the one or more items, wherein the internal cavity is at least partially bounded by a bottom and a plurality of walls; 
 an insulated shell adapted for receiving the tote, wherein the insulated shell includes a base and a plurality of side walls, wherein the insulated shell is adapted to transition between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein each of the plurality of the side walls of the insulated shell is pivotably attached to the base with a respective hinge structure formed at least in part from a closed cell foam, wherein the tote is received in the insulated shell when the insulated shell is in the expanded configuration; and 
 an insulated lid adapted for engaging the insulated shell and adapted for closing the tote inside the insulated shell when the insulated shell is in the expanded configuration. 
 
     
     
       13. The storage container of  claim 12  wherein the insulated lid also fits on top of the insulated shell when the insulated shell is in the collapsed configuration. 
     
     
       14. The storage container of  claim 12  wherein a top side of the insulated lid is adapted for receiving a base of another instance of the insulated shell such of another instance of the storage container such that the storage containers are stackable in both the expanded and collapsed configurations. 
     
     
       15. The storage container of  claim 12  wherein the plurality of side walls of the tote are tapered thereby enabling the tote to at least partially nest within another instance of the tote. 
     
     
       16. The storage container of  claim 12  wherein the closed cell foam includes expanded polypropylene. 
     
     
       17. The storage container of  claim 12  further comprising a divider having first and second projections. 
     
     
       18. The storage container of  claim 17  wherein a first wall of the plurality of walls of the tote includes a first groove facing inward toward the internal cavity, wherein the first groove is adapted to receive the first projection of the divider, wherein a second wall of the plurality of walls includes a second groove facing inward toward the internal cavity, wherein the second groove is adapted to receive the second projection of the divider for dividing the internal cavity of the tote into two sections. 
     
     
       19. The storage container of  claim 17  wherein the divider is insulated. 
     
     
       20. The storage container of  claim 17  wherein the divider includes an integrated ice pack.